You may have heard the news story about the boy that, right before school dismissed for the “Holiday Break” (Can’t call it Christmas anymore, now can we?) was asked to draw something that reminded him of the holiday. He drew Jesus on the cross. Horrors! The teacher freaked out (of course)… why this is too violent! And what does Jesus have to do with Christmas!!?!?! So, now it comes out that the boy is having to endure a “psychological evaluation” over the incident. Now, he may be marked for life by the psych community as a nut job because he drew something to do with Jesus… at Christmas no less. Yes, obviously demented.

Boy Ordered into Psych Evaluation for Drawing Christ on Cross at Christmas

Pray for our country. We need revival, we need common sense. As my dad used to say, “Common sense isn’t so common anymore.” Preach on, Dad!

Here are some things that came up on my radio program this week that I have been meditating on (things that’ll PREACH!)

Some folks don’t feel that they have access to God’s Power, but since the Word of God is the Power of God that upholds all things (Heb. 1:4), then we have access to the Power of God, because we have access to the Word of God! Luke 1:47 says, in the original Greek, “No Word spoken by God is void of the power necessary to bring that Word to pass!” Since we have access to His Word, we have access to His Power!

I shared how God had spoken to my Pastor, Ed Taylor, about Faith & Victory Church being “My Miracle Place”, and how a lady that was blind that got healed during last week’s Tuesday night prayer meeting… and how God was bringing what He said about the church to pass! Confirming the Word with signs following!

Great things are happening! Come by “My Miracle Place” and see for yourself!

Today, the federal government passed a “Hate Crimes Bill” and it is going to President Obama for his signature. I have always been amazed at “Hate Crimes” legislation… if someone commits murder, it is wrong, it is sin, and it is illegal. But, hate crime makes it “more sinful, illegal, and wrong?” Go figure. At any rate, I am all for punishing those that break the laws of the land… but this law with allow those with political agendas to arrest pastors for simply reading the Bible. “That’s crazy!,” you say? No, it has already happened. Read this article:

Pastor Arrested for Reading Romans 1

“NEW YORK CITY: The Rev. Joseph Jenkins was arrested today as he preached to his congregation of 500. As he said, ‘The Bible says it is a sin for a man to lie with a man!’ four federal undercover agents rose from their seats in the crowded church and handcuffed the pastor. He was later charged before a US Magistrate under the federal ‘Hate Crimes’ law.’ ‘Far-fetched! Impossible! That will never happen!’ Not at all. There are forces at work in this nation to deny every citizen the right to say, publicly or privately, what they know or believe to be true if it does not fit within politically correct guidelines. Ministers or rabbis who proclaim the clear teachings of the Bible regarding homosexuality will be jailed if these forces have their way. Anyone who expresses an unpopular ideology will be persecuted.”

Get ready for the charges of “hate speech” from those that wish to change our way of life from a Biblically based standard to a secular human standard.

I happened to be flipping by on the radio today at lunch when I caught a few minutes of NPR’s “Diane Rehm Show” kind of a left wing, female, “Rush Limbaugh.” Normally, I would have just flipped on by, but I heard her guest say that “Christianity is misunderstood,” so I figured I would hang around long enough to hear what it was about… turns out her guest was a Harvard Divinity professor. (You know we are in trouble now!) He was saying that it took 300 years for Christianity to be “converted into a belief system with doctrine,” before that (he says) “it was just a group of people that wanted to carry on with Jesus’ mission of feeding the poor, and helping the weak.” “What is important to understand,” he says, “is that Christianity is not a personal, one-on-one belief system, but is only possible in a community.” “Which is why,” he says, the early church was, “just a community of people helping each other.” “Because,” he says, “one person alone can’t accomplish anything, only with the force of numbers, ie., in groups (like, maybe “big government”?!?) can anyone accomplish anything.” To all this, the host contributed, “Well, the Bible does say, where TWO or THREE are gathered in His Name, there am I in their midst.” “Yes,” he said, “that’s a start!”

Remember when Charles Capps said that we have had to have help to misunderstand the Bible? Well, this is one of the best examples I have seen! A Harvard Divinity professor that has no clue about being born again, what Jesus’ real “mission” was, and the blessing of personal salvation… but rather sees Christianity as only a “peaceful gathering of people to accomplish good works.” Or, as the Diane Rehm show web site says, “A longtime Harvard Divinity School professor talks about the future of faith. Harvey Cox says we’ve entered the Age of the Spirit, where dogma is less important than spirituality for many Christians.”

Pray for the “intelligentsia” that they see the light of God’s Word!

Believe it or not, there are churches in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas (where I used to live for a few years, and I must say, is a very conservative area) that are posting billboards saying that “Jesus affirmed a gay couple.” Who, in the New Testament, did Jesus supposedly “affirm?” Why, the centurion and his servant! Never mind that the Bible says NOTHING about the centurion, or his servant being gay, having a relationship, or anything CLOSE to this… they just “read in” that the centurion and his servant were a gay couple because, well… it just suits their mind set and need to have an example! Same thing with another “example” billboard, that of, “Ruth loved Naomi as Adam loved Eve,” excuse me?!?! Where in the Bible does it state that? And, if it is not in the Bible, if it is just “speculation” then forget it! By the way, what DOES the New Testament say on the subject?

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Here is the story on the billboards:

Churches Affirm ‘Gay Love’ in DFW Area

The Bible teaches us to love the sinner, and hate sin… so, I want to make it clear that I am no “gay-hater!” In fact, I love homosexual people and want to see them turn from sin and to God… what irks me is the fact that supposed “churches” are turning against the Bible, preaching and stating PUBLICLY incorrect and untrue statements about the Word of God… now that does rankle!

Please pray, and do what you can to stop the murder of innocents with YOUR tax dollars! Remember, Exodus 20:13 “Thou shalt not kill” is better translated from the original Hebrew, “Thou shalt not take innocent life.” If this were not the case, then capital punishment WOULD be outside God’s laws, but we know that this is NOT the case… because God says that an evildoer who kills another should be put to death.

Romans 1:32 “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

But NOT an innocent… and surely, there is none more innocent than an unborn baby! By sitting back and doing nothing… you would be letting your taxes be used to kill the innocent, unborn children!

Sign the petition at: Family Research Council

I had a dream. What if you could listen to a radio station that played only Word of Faith teaching, had only uplifting “you can win” music, and, you never had to “turn off” any unbelief because a faith based radio teaching show went off, and the one right after it was so bad? What if such a station existed? Well, now it does!

Word of Faith Radio is an Internet Radio station… and it broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week! And, since it comes to you over the Internet, you can get it anywhere you may live! Check it out at:

http://www.wofr.org/

You can click on the “Listen Live” link on the site, and listen to Word of Faith based Internet Radio! Also, coming soon… low power AM radio stations that will pick up the WOFR.org signal and broadcast it to areas throughout the world!

A study I read recently infers that if questioned in a “rapid fire” manner on basic questions about natural selection and creation, essentially before one have a chance to “think about it;” people tend to answer in a way that implies that they innately believe in a “cause and effect” in creation. That is, they infer that there is a “higher power” that is guiding, creating and directing a purpose for life. The scientists in the study essentially said that since people have an innate “belief” in creationism, that we need to work harder to train people out of this belief. Riiight!

I am reminded of this portion of Scripture:

“Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools”

Yes, “nature” does show us that there is a God… and that we may be “innately wired” to believe that, doesn’t surprise me! Sounds like a scientific “discovery” of the truth of God’s Word!

There is an article in The Christian Post that has a statement that sounds so wrong to me… yet I know it is probably right.  It says, “‘There isn’t a pastor I know of that doesn’t use other sources outside of the Bible,’ said Ron Forseth, general editor of SermonCentral.com, which claims to be the world’s most highly trafficked sermon website. ‘ Most look to the wisdom and experience of their preaching colleagues. ‘The question is what place the Bible takes in their sermon preparation and delivery.’”

Over 5,000 Pastors Pledge to Keep Sermons Purely Biblical

It is foreign to me, because I go to Faith & Victory Church, in Greensboro, NC, and our pastor, Ed Taylor, always preaches from the Bible, and ONLY the Bible.  He never brings in Reader’s Digest, or the newspaper (thank goodness!)  The Christian Post article goes on to say that there is an organization that asks pastors to pledge to use the Bible in their sermons.  Wow.  That someone would need to do that is sad.

So, I prefer the Word of God, and only the Word of God… and before someone says, “I want to hear stuff that is relevant to today!”  What could be MORE relevant than God’s Word?  And, conversely, what is MORE irrelevant than what they are saying in newspapers and in Reader’s Digest?   So… if you want the Word… come on by to Faith & Victory Church!

In Numbers 26:61, it says, “And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.” We are told that our God is a jealous God. (Deut. 4:24) He expects us to worship Him, in His Way, and not get pulled away by distractions of bad (that is, un-sound) doctrine. We are also told that the immature are often “carried about with every wind of doctrine.” Eph. 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” We have already spoken in past articles, of the fact that these “last of the last days” are perilous times. 2 Timothy 3:1, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” So, we must be ever more vigilent and serious about keeping the purity of the Word of God in our lives and in our worship!

There are many things afoot in the Body of Christ in these days that have no basis in Biblical history, doctrine, or fact. Some of these teachings come from cults, some come from other religions, but ALL are are from the devil! He is trying to draw believers away from sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 says, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” We are to preach the Word! We are to preach and teach “sound doctrine.” But, we are also told that there will be those that will not endure sound doctrine, but will be turned unto “fables.” What kind of fables? Well, look at what is happening in certain circles around the Body of Christ. There are various “revivals” that are occurring around the country today that are following doctrines that have no basis in scripture, they are not teaching sound doctrine. They endorse speaking with angels for guidance, and direction, and ask them (angels) directly for help. Angels are God’s “agents” to bring about His will, and they are called “ministering spirits” that are to function “for us.” (Hebrews 1:14) However, we are not to speak TO angels, we pray to God, and God will dispatch them to aid us as necessary. To pray to them, or envoke their (supposed) names instead of God’s is not scriptural! We are to pray to God, in Jesus’ Name! John 14:13, 14 says, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” The Biblical pattern is to pray in Jesus’ Name to the Father God. Not to angels, not to people who have died, not to Mary, or John, or Peter… but to the Father God in Jesus’ Name! Notice the admonition in 2 Timothy 4:5, to “watch thou in all things.” To put it in more modern vernacular, “Watch out!”

This is just one of many examples, there are those that perform “magic tricks” in God’s name, producing feathers, gold dust, and other physical manifestations that are not Biblical. Show me a case, just one in the Bible, where Paul during his travels, for instance, manifested gold dust to prove his own piety, or demonstrate supernatural power! Or, where he spoke and feathers appeared. Can’t find it? That’s because it is not in there! However, there are followers of Jewish mysticism (the Kaballah) that speak of it, and there are some so called Charismatic “revivals” that involve this kind of “strange fire.” What are these things to believers that are determined to do what God has commanded and preach the Word and teach sound doctrine? They are distractions. They are flashy and look and sound “different” and interesting… but they are not what God wants us interested in. He wants us to be true to His Word. He wants us to follow sound doctrine.

I remember a time when a very well known pastor of a large church had a speaker come and speak at his church. This speaker was a lady that was drawing large crowds and getting invited to many large Charismatic churches, no doubt with very large offerings as well! People flocked to see her produce feathers! “Wow, ooooh, ahhh!” People, Jesus said, seek signs. (Luke 11:29) But not for the right reasons. Anyway, this pastor invited the lady to speak. After the service many were asked, “What did she teach?” No one could remember what she said, but they were all talking about the “supernatural manifestations!” Another minister that attended this same service, which was broadcast via satellite to hundreds of other churches, videotaped the lady as she ministered. He was able to show that she was pulling the feathers out of pockets sewn in her her sleeves. A simple “sleight of hand” trick. Her “ministry” was disgraced. She got fewer and fewer invitations after that. In another incident, a minister had the “gold dust” that was “supernaturally” manifested examined, and it turned out to be iron pyrite dust… so, in fact, it wasn’t even real gold! You would think God would manifest real gold! The bottom line is… the ministry of God is not a show… it is not entertainment! We are to preach the pure Word of God, not “perform!”

A minister does not “perform tricks” and spectacular acts to elevate themselves! Most often these folks are seen to be, and often proclaim themselves, as “more spiritual” than others… after all, they are specially “touched of God.” Now, don’t get me wrong, there are unique, special anointings. But, those that God uses in special anointings know that it is NOT them, it is God that does the work! As Peter said, “Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?” (Acts 3:13) It is not YOUR personal power that is involved in ministry. In fact, personal power, and seeking such, is the hallmark of the occult! It is not that you are more “spiritual” or “holy!” I believe that this scripture is, in fact, recorded in God’s Word to show us this truth! It wasn’t Peter’s own power, or holiness, or spirituality, that caused special healings to happen in his presence. Acts 5:15, 16, “Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” What did the work? Jesus told them to preach the Word, and as Mark 16:20 says, “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” The Lord worked WITH them… confirming the Word they preached with signs following. What kinds of signs? Gold dust? Feathers? Using “angel’s names?” No! The sick were healed, demons were cast out, the lame were made whole, and the blind saw! Those are God’s kind of signs! And, they didn’t need weird manifestations or paper “barf bags” to do it! They simply preached the uncompromised Word of Faith, and God performed the work! They acted on the Word, and the Word worked!

Why bring these things to your attention? Because as we are told in the Word, in Eph 4:14-24: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Brethren, it is time to be grown-ups! Not to be easily distracted… not seeking “strange fire!” We are to “watch out!” Watch out for these things and avoid them! Rom 16:17, 18 says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and AVOID them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; (we could say “their own self interests”) and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Preach and teach only the purity of God’s Word!